Is Cookie Monster Healthy Now? The Truth About the Muppet's Diet

December 13, 2025 •

3 min read

Sparked by rising childhood obesity rates in the U.S. in 2005, the creators of Sesame Street introduced a new health initiative, leading many to ask: Is Cookie Monster healthy now? While the beloved muppet still loves his signature treat, his diet has been rebalanced to promote moderation, and he is a healthier version of his former self.

Quick Summary

Cookie Monster's diet evolved beyond only cookies in 2005, promoting moderation as a 'sometimes food' approach for a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables. He is still the same character, just with more nutritious habits.

Key Points

Embraces Moderation: Since 2005, Cookie Monster has promoted moderation, with cookies becoming a "sometimes food" instead of an anytime food.
Not the "Veggie Monster": The persistent rumor that Cookie Monster changed his name or only eats vegetables is false; he eats a variety of healthy foods alongside cookies.
A Balanced Diet: He actively eats and promotes fruits and vegetables, demonstrating a well-rounded diet to young audiences.
Still Loves Cookies: The muppet's core character remains unchanged, and he still enthusiastically devours cookies as part of his balanced diet.
Educational Shift: The change was part of a larger Sesame Street initiative to teach children about healthy habits and combat childhood obesity.

The Great Diet Controversy of 2005

In 2005, in response to growing concerns about childhood obesity, the producers of Sesame Street launched a new campaign called “Healthy Habits for Life.” This initiative focused on teaching children about moderation and the importance of a balanced diet. News of these changes sparked media reports mistakenly claiming Cookie Monster was on a diet or changing his name.

The "Veggie Monster" Debunked

The most common rumor, that Cookie Monster would be renamed "Veggie Monster," originated from a Jimmy Kimmel Live appearance where Grover jokingly mentioned a diet. Sesame Street's creators denied this, emphasizing they were teaching moderation, not dieting, and that Cookie Monster was still himself but with a wider variety of food choices.

“A Cookie is a Sometime Food”

Instead of giving up cookies, Cookie Monster adopted the motto “A cookie is a sometime food,” part of a larger lesson about balancing treats with nutritious options. He still has a big appetite but now includes healthy foods. This focus on a balanced diet is a long-term goal, evidenced by his 1988 rap song “Healthy Foods”.

Cookie Monster now demonstrates healthy eating by often eating nutritious foods like fruit or vegetables before a cookie. He has also hosted cooking segments with celebrities to make healthy snacks. This evolution allows him to remain the same character while being a positive role model for healthy habits.

Me Am What Me Am

In a 2012 episode, Cookie Monster sang "Me Am What Me Am" to explain he is still Cookie Monster despite enjoying vegetables. He also shows exasperation in later videos when asked if he's the Veggie Monster, reinforcing that moderation doesn't alter his identity. You can find the lyrics to "Me Am What Me Am" in the referenced web documents.

Cookie Monster's Culinary Evolution


Feature	Before 2005	After 2005
Dietary Focus	Overwhelmingly focused on cookies; eats everything in sight	Moderation; eats a variety of foods
Theme Song	"C is for Cookie"	"A Cookie is a Sometime Food"
Food Choices	Mainly cookies, plus inedible objects	Includes fruits (apples, bananas), vegetables (broccoli, zucchini), and healthy snacks
Overall Message	Uncontrolled appetite and gratification	Balanced eating and nutritional education

Cookie Monster’s Favorite Healthy Foods

Cookie Monster's diet now includes various fruits and vegetables:

Broccoli: He enjoys broccoli and its name.
Carrots: Often shown eating carrots.
Apples and Bananas: These fruits are frequently seen in his diet, sometimes before a cookie.
Oatmeal with Berries: He cites this as a healthy breakfast from his mother.
Tofu Stir-fry: In a 2010 video, he mentioned tofu stir-fry as part of a balanced meal.

Conclusion: A Monster of Moderation

Is Cookie Monster healthy now? Yes, as he promotes a healthier lifestyle, but he remains the cookie-loving monster. His evolution reflects a shift in Sesame Street's educational approach to teach children about balanced choices and moderation. His "sometimes food" message offers a realistic way to enjoy treats while maintaining healthy habits. Cookie Monster's legacy endures, demonstrating that even a beloved character can adapt positively.

Learn more about Cookie Monster’s healthy habits from a feature on the Partnership for a Healthier America.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Cookie Monster did not change his name to "Veggie Monster." This was a media rumor that began in 2005 and has been repeatedly debunked by Sesame Street's creators.

Cookie Monster's dietary philosophy began to change in 2005 with the introduction of Sesame Street's "Healthy Habits for Life" campaign.

Yes, Cookie Monster still eats and loves cookies. The difference is that he now views them as a "sometimes food," not a constant part of his diet, and balances them with healthy options.

The "sometimes food" philosophy teaches that treats like cookies are fine to eat occasionally, but they should not replace everyday healthy foods like fruits and vegetables.

Cookie Monster now eats a variety of healthy foods, including fruits like apples and bananas, and vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and zucchini.

Sesame Street changed Cookie Monster's message in response to concerns about rising childhood obesity rates in the United States, aiming to promote healthier eating habits in young children.

Before the change, Cookie Monster's signature theme song was "C is for Cookie." It was replaced with the song "A Cookie is a Sometime Food" to reflect his new emphasis on moderation.